Tampa, FL –For the first time ever, individuals affected by obesity will have the opportunity to join together and have their voices heard. On June 17, 2008, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation will host a historic awareness event, the Walk from Obesity – Walk on the Capitol. Thousands will gather on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for a ½ mile walk to bring National attention to the obesity epidemic and the need for expanded efforts in prevention and treatment.

Every individual impacted by obesity, along with family, friends and healthcare professionals, are encouraged and invited to attend. The Walk on the Capitol is FREE and open to the public and will take place at 6:30 pm. For more information on the Walk on the Capitol, please visit www.walkonthecapitol.com.

“The Walk on the Capitol is intended to send a powerful message to our elected officials regarding the importance of addressing the obesity epidemic. I am especially excited that we will have an opportunity to make a serious impact nationwide by assembling thousands of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, such as patients, family members, healthcare professionals and many others to walk on the National Mall in DC and let our voices be heard. It is vitally important for society to join together and recognize the seriousness of obesity and its related illnesses,” said Joseph Nadglowski, Jr., OAC President and CEO and ASMBS Foundation Executive Director.

Obesity is a serious health epidemic that targets one in three Americans. It is estimated that more than 93 million Americans are obese, with that number predicted to climb to 120 million in the next five years. In order to address this epidemic, the Walk on the Capitol aims to recognize and promote increasing prevention efforts and improving access to safe and effective treatment options.

The “Walk on the Capitol” is a National awareness event designed to draw attention to the need for expanded efforts in both prevention and treatment. The Walk is hosted by the OAC and ASMBS Foundation and supported by various partnering non profit organizations. For more information on the hosts and the partnering organizations, please visit www.walkonthecapitol.com.